Exploring Anti-Blackness, Misogynoir in Special Education: A Critical Look at Access and Equity (Poster 1)

• In Event: Critical Special Education: Reexamination, Reimagination, and Rethinking of Research, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

This poster will include a critical examination of the historical context of parent advocacy in special education, emphasizing the challenges faced by Black mothers due to anti-Blackness and misogynoir. It will explore how these systemic biases hinder access to crucial information and support for their children with developmental disabilities, particularly autism. Drawing on previous research, the poster will highlight the resilience of Black mothers in navigating complex educational and medical systems to secure necessary services for their children (Author 1, 2021; Author 1 et al., 2023a; Author 1 et al., 2023b).

The research underscores Pedro Noguera’s observation that the functionality of the special education system depends significantly on parents' awareness of their rights (Noguera & Syeed, 2020). It argues that the system is often designed to obscure these rights, especially for marginalized groups like Black women, thereby perpetuating systematic disenfranchisement. This poster will highlight an investigation to answer the fundamental question of who the special education system truly serves, revealing how the exclusion of Black mothers from critical processes denies Black children their rightful access to educational support.

The study calls for a critical reassessment of current special education practices and policies, particularly concerning parent engagement. It advocates for addressing the systemic imbalances that consistently exclude Black mothers, urging a reevaluation of existing frameworks to ensure equity. The implications of this research stress the need for transformative policies that prioritize the voices and experiences of Black mothers, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equitable access and engagement in special education.

Overall, the poster will seek to illuminate the entrenched intersections of anti-Blackness, misogynoir, and parental advocacy in special education. Through critical analysis, it aims to inspire a paradigm shift, challenging stakeholders to break down oppressive structures and foster transformative change to achieve equitable access for all parents, regardless of race or gender.

Author

• Elizabeth Holliday Morgan, Morgan State University